Oluwo gets staff of office, urges people to pay tax

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

Osun state Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, on Saturday charged the new Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi on the need to jettison self-aggradisement, primitive and insatiable appetite for wealth accumulation and as well explore his coveted position to entrench unity among Yorubas as he begins to pilot the affairs of the ancient town.

Aregbesola admonished the new monarch to lead by example and explore every opportunity and privilege at his disposal to bring in all round development.

Aregbesola gave the admonition while presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the newly installed Oluwo of Iwoland at the coronation ceremony in the ancient town.

This is just as the new monarch called on the people in the town to support the current government by paying their taxes regularly.

He expressed profound gratitude to Governor Aregbesola, Government and people of Osun especially the Iwo Kingmakers for giving him the opportunity to steer the affairs of the ancient town.

He advocated for the promotion of local products and commodities, maintaining that his coming to the throne of his forefathers will leave no stone unturned to ensure total reawakening and promotion of local products.

Oba Akanbi who promised to take Iwo to a height never known in history said one of his plans to achieve immense successes would be a greater focus on the promotion of local goods especially the farm produce as the nation is traversing to agriculture.

Oba Akanbi further advocated for the official utilization of Adire fabric (batik attire) as school uniforms, police uniforms, soldiers uniforms among others, saying if this is being promoted locally, Nigerian Textile would in no doubt earn huge revenues as this would also be encouraged and exported.

“My advocacy for the return to our roots, is a rationale to the urgent need of improving our economy, social and political well being of our people.

“I am bent to take Iwo to a height never known in history by exploring all our given potentials for the upliftment and betterment of all.

“I will serve my people on the path of righteousness and place Iwo among the community of great cities in the world.

“My dogged pursue of the economic liberation of our people will premise on the massive utilization of our local materials for greater production that will encourage massive exportation.

“I will encourage the use of batik (Adire attire) to promote our culture, values and traditions as yoruba race and as well translate into our economic benefits and advantage.

“I will not stop until this is realizable and the government adopts the use of batik fabric as school uniforms and security uniforms as this will create employment opportunity and wealth generation”, Oluwo stated.

Oba Akanbi therefore canvassed for support from all and sundry especially his co-contenders, saying his palace will be always opened for beautiful ideas, brainstorming and deliberation.